Some Effects of a Supplementary Cellulase Preparation on Feed Utilization by Ruminants

Abstract

Enzyme 19AP (Rohm and Haas Co., Phila.), a cellulase preparation from Aspergillus niger, enhanced cellulolytic activity of rumen fluid in the laboratory. The enzyme did not affect feed utilization as measured by growth of dairy calves. In a digestion trial with sheep, Enzyme 19AP did not affect apparent digestibilities of ration constituents. Eliminating the cellulolytic activity of high roughage diets by autoclaving did not alter cellulose digestibility, but significantly lowered dry matter and protein digestibilities.